(471 words, 2 min read time)
To be honest, I only count this as one day because all of “Day 0” was spent in JFK back in New York, waiting to board the flight, which indeed I have nothing interesting to comment on. I was so excited to meet up with my roommates, some of whom I saw at the airport or on the plane. Everyone was nervous and tired, but ready to get going. I got tons of advice from loved ones, especially about what to pack, so I felt super prepared, but as this was the longest I had been away from my home, I was still anxious.
The flight took off a bit late, but it was not a big deal as we all arrived in one piece. Exhausted, but in one piece. I met up with more of my roommates in line for passport check, which was quick, as everything in the EU is automated now. We met up with the rest of the group from the flight outside customs, and set off towards Rome. We took regional rail through a bit of countryside, seeing anything from old villas to new industry to farmland. Tomalin says that “Italy is above all a country of contrasts.” I think he’s right, and we could see it in the short span of the train ride.
When we arrived, we took a grueling walk in the afternoon sun with suitcases in hand. The cobbled streets really are no joke, but Shea showed us some nice places to check out for coffee or groceries. We made it to the apartment, and had got a quick orientation, showing us how things worked (or didn’t), how to unlock the doors (and lock them) and who to call in case things needed fixing (they did). Rooms were chosen, bags unpacked, and plane clothes changed before heading back out to meet with the group for our first meal.
The food here is delicious! We all shared meat and cheese plates with fresh Italian cheeses and cured meats, honey, bread, and fried zucchini flowers. I truly cannot emphasize my love of Italian food, no matter what continent I am on, but this really took the cake after an exhausting and long day. I, of course, got tiramisu for dessert, hopefully the first of many.
Our apartment set back to home, walking along a beautiful busy street near a walled off garden (or campus? I am unsure), but it reminded us all of New York, especially in Midwood where I live normally. It was an nice taste of home after a day of firsts. Now I will attempt to rest before opening my brain to do a whole bunch of learning tomorrow.
Rome via Brooklyn 
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